Problems · NHTSA complaints

2025 Acura MDX problems

Owners filed 117 complaints about the 2025 Acura MDX with NHTSA between Sep 2024 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (72).

Complaints
117
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine72
  2. Electrical system54
  3. Fuel/propulsion system11
  4. Power train6
  5. Service brakes5
  6. Forward collision avoidance5
  7. Steering3
  8. Suspension2
  9. Fuel system, gasoline2
  10. Back over prevention2
  11. Vehicle speed control1
  12. Engine and engine cooling1
  13. Structure1
  14. Lane departure1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20241
202526
202690

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

72 reports
“I own a 2025 Acura MDX Advance with approximately 18,500 miles. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle's Auto Idle Stop feature engaged and shut off the engine as designed. However, when it was time for the vehicle to restart, the engine would not restart. The failure left me unable to move the vehicle at an intersection, creating a potentially dangerous situation and exposing me and other motorists to the risk of a traffic accident. A vehicle that automatically shuts off at a traffic light must be able to reliably restart when traffic begins moving. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a failed starter and replaced the starter on November 2, 2026. The vehicle was only approximately 18,500 miles old at the time of the failure. A starter failure at such low mileage is extremely concerning, particularly when it occurs in connection with the Auto Idle Stop system. I am concerned that this may be a broader safety issue involving the 2025 Acura MDX and its Auto Idle Stop/start system. Failure to restart at an intersection can create an immediate traffic hazard, particularly in busy intersections where the driver may be unable to move the vehicle out of the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026EngineODI 11775223

Electrical system

54 reports
“While driving and coming to a stop, the engine shuts down and will not restart. Error "To continue to drive, depress brake pedal and push Switch". After 10 minutes of trying to start the car it finally started.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11773609

Fuel/propulsion system

11 reports
“Auto Stop/Start fails to restart intermittently causing dangerous situations stuck at lights unable to move. Sometimes it restarts again after pressing the brake and ignition right away. Sometimes it takes a minute to restart. Either way it happens unexpectantly leading to being frozen until you figure out what is going on.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 8, 2026Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11762658

Power train

6 reports
“The contact owns a 2025 Acura MDX. The contact stated upon coming to a complete stop at an intersection downhill, the engine turned off while the instrument panel and infotainment center remained operable. The contact was unsure if the engine Auto START/STOP system was engaged during the failure. The message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact attempted to shift to park(P), to turn off and restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond. The message "Transmission Error-Take to Acura Dealer" was displayed. The contact's husband arrived on the scene to assist, but the Police advised the contact that an emergency tow was required due to the potential crash. The Police requested emergency towing services, and the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25004 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The selling dealer, Acura of Memphis (2611 Ridgeway Rd, Memphis, TN 38119) and the manufacturer were contacted by email. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11773792

Service brakes

5 reports1 crash
“20 minutes after parking my car, it would not start. Several different codes came up on the gauges - BRAKE issue; hill issue;stabilization issue - multiple icons and warnings. I ended up having to be jumped off.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11763280

Forward collision avoidance

5 reports2 crashes
“Hello! I am writing to report an urgent and serious safety failure involving my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec and to request immediate investigation and action. The vehicle’s driver-assist systems - specifically the lane departure warning and forward collision warning - failed to operate. In addition, both the steering wheel and the accelerator became stuck, causing my vehicle to collide head‑on with oncoming traffic. These failures placed my life and the lives of others in immediate danger. I previously opened a case with Acura Contact and Client Relations (Case #16550271). To investigate my vehicle failures that caused this major accident, the response I received was inadequate and deeply concerning. During my conversation with Acura representatives, I was told verbally without any willingness to provide this statement in writing that Acura “has nothing to do with inspecting their own car.” Instead, I was instructed to have my vehicle inspected by my insurance company, despite the fact that they are not certified to evaluate Acura safety systems and do not possess the diagnostic equipment required to assess failures of this nature. Given the severity of the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2026Steering, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11757146
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.